Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Downtown Hosts Orchid Daze: Pop!

Click on the photo to enlarge

This February, I had the great fortune to drive to downtown Atlanta Georgia to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for their Feb 7-April 12^th orchid program called “Orchid Daze:Pop!“  The orchid display billed as the largest orchid center in the US, held in the Fuqua Orchid Center was amid dramatic pop art exhibits as well across the center!

Wigert Bonsai Nursery in N. Ft Myers Floriday delights this New Englander

In my travels this winter, I pointed my truck south toward the southwest corner of Florida and Wigert’s Bonsai Nursery.  I had not visited any bonsai displays/shops in the tropical/warmer climates of the US before and was very pleasantly surprised!   

The Leu Gardens in the City of Orlando

Earlier this month I visited Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in North Carolina and found it to be a wonder to these New England eyes.   And this wonderment continued further down the coast as I made my way to the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida.

This amazing 50-acre botanical oasis, just off I-4 in downtown Orlando is convenient for anyone in the area; visiting a theme park or heading to Tampa-St. Pete and points south.  Leu Gardens is beautifully maintained with mature collections in a wonderful lake side setting maintained by the City of Orlando, and it has plenty to boast!  

The Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden Inspire, Enlighten, connect People to the World of Plants

While visiting my sister in Greensboro, N.C., I was enormously happy and so surprised when she suggested that we go to the town of Kernersville, just west of Winston-Salem.  Our destination was a botanical garden she had heard of in a local publication.

Established in 2011 and still developing… the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden on 215 S. Main Street was an unexpected wonder for someone from New England, namely me.

How to Care for a Weeping Japanese Maples in the Winter

Caring for Japanese Maples in snow regions

Now is the time to examine and prune 'Weeping' varieties of Japanese Maples where snow is a common occurrence.   

With the leaves off the tree, finally you can see the structure and it’s key supports.  The nature of the plant is to produce an abundance of branches and branching, many of which can cause problems because of the 90 degree structure of trunk-to-branch relationships.

This 3” caliper* Japanese Maple (right), has been cabled to support the crotch** shown in figure 1, and is thinned every winter,  (like now), to reduce the chances of snow load, (known as fulcrum effect), on the branch attachment.  This can result in branches ripping right off the tree!  

Pruning by 1/4 to 1/3 of canopy;  all inward growing branches; all crossing branches and all duplicate branches such that you can easily see through the canopy.  

This should be performed annually.

Have a question about your garden; plant or tree?  Ask 'The Garden Tutor'.

Improving the Nature of Cities and Towns: Urban and Community Forestry Program

Improving the Nature of Cities and Towns: Urban and Community Forestry Program

A publication brought to you by  USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, State and Private Forestry

Community trees are part of a vital resource-the urban and community forest. This forest is made up of the trees in yards, along streets, beside rivers and streams, in parks and other green space areas, and around the buildings in your community. Because of their close proximity to people, urban and community forests are dynamic ecosystems where humans interact with trees, other vegetation, soil, wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources. For partner organizations, space is available on the back panel to overprint your organization's contact information.

Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States

Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States

Brought to you by the US Forest Service

One common issue facing our urban forests is the fact that trees are dying prematurely. Many are planted improperly, setting them up for failure. Many do not receive regular maintenance. And few are adequately protected during construction projects. To help remedy this issue, the Forest Service has created this Tree Owner’s Manual.

Just like the owner’s manual that comes with automobiles and appliances, the Tree Owner’s Manual includes a parts list, instructions for installation, tips for troubleshooting common issues, recommended service, and more.

Learn more and download your guide here...